Question

write each verb then label it transitive or intransitive
jazz began in new orleans
jazz musicians played by ear
They played blues and spirituals

Answer 1

#2 is intransitive -- no direct object -- "by ear" is a prepositional phrase

Answer 2

1. began - intransitive
2. played - transitive
3. played - transitive

Answer 3

Apologies for the confusion. You are correct, the verb "played" in sentence #2 is intransitive. Thank you for pointing that out.